563 - G. VERTUE (*1684) after SOMER (*1576), Portrait of James I, 1736, etching

G. VERTUE (*1684) after SOMER (*1576), Portrait of James I, 1736, etching George Vertue (1684 London – 1756 ibid.) after Paul van Somer (1576 Antwerp – 1621 London): Portrait of King James I with decorative frame and coat of arms, 1736, etching Technique: Etching and copper engraving on paper Inscription: Signed on the printing plate at the bottom: “Paulus Vansomer p. | G. Vertue Sculp.” Inscribed in the center of the printing plate: “JAMES I. KING of GREAT BRITAIN FRANCE and IRELAND Defender of the Faith &c.” Further inscription in the lower middle: “An original painting in the Palace of Hampton Court.” Date: 1736 Description: The finely executed portrait depicts King James I of Great Britain in an upright half-length figure within a richly decorated frame featuring the royal coat of arms, crown, and motto “Beati Pacifici.” He is wearing splendid court dress with a lace collar. The scepter and orb, symbols of royal power, rest on the ledge in front of the painting. The depiction is a representative tribute to the monarch as “Defender of the Faith.” Person: From 1567 as James VI, King of Scotland, and from 1603 until his death, also as James I, King of England and King of Ireland. Keywords: James I; Portrait of the King; Engraving; Copper engraving; 17th century; Baroque; Great Britain; Tudor-Stuart; Hampton Court; Royal coat of arms; Scepter; Orbs of the realm; Paulus van Somer; Insignia of office; Defender of the Faith; Representational art; Monarchy; Royal symbolism; English history; Portrait engraving; 18th century; Baroque; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 30.1 cm x 19.2 cm (11.9 x 7.6 in), Plate: 29.7 cm x 18.5 cm (11.7 x 7.3 in), Depiction: 28.9 cm x 18.0 cm (11.4 x 7.1 in) Condition: Good condition. Slightly discolored due to age. With a slight crease at the top center of the paper. Slightly stained in places. The engraving is clearly preserved and detailed. Reinforced on the reverse with a narrow surrounding paper margin.